Ohio patients push ballot over bill for medical marijuana

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Patients and their families who are backing a medical marijuana ballot issue in Ohio say the proposed constitutional amendment offers a quicker and more effective way for them to get relief than legislation.

Two patients with debilitating illnesses and the mother of a boy with brain cancer supported Ohioans for Medical Marijuana’s ballot proposal at a news conference Wednesday. They said the measure should go forward even if state lawmakers pass a medical marijuana bill that’s been fast-tracked in the Ohio House.

Mother Dana Kovach, of St. Clairsville, said she had high hopes for the legislation but final language didn’t provide needed protections to caregivers and too narrowly limited the types of cannabis that would be available.

A broad coalition is backing the legislation as the best route to legalization.